2) Don't be hyper-sensitive. Define hyper-sensitivity as normal sensitivity.
3) Do not, under any circumstances ask anybody for a favor, no matter how small the favor or how desperately you may require it.
4) Realize that every day people are going to insult you, inconvenience you, or harm you out of ignorance or arrogance. The vast majority of these slights are petty; you would be petty to respond to them in kind. Shake them off and move on.
5) Always be calm and in control, regardless of events around you. You may not really be that rock in a stormy sea, but act like it. (Listen to, "There You Are," as sung by Martina. As Julie Christie said to Omar Shariff, "This isn't me, it's you.")
6) Never argue with anyone or try to correct or admonish them for their incorrect views or actions beyond a reasonable presentation of your own opinion. Life is full of fools allergic to common sense, scheming fast talkers who can defend error better than you can defend truth and true-believing world-savers who want to rescue you from your own folly. You can't change human nature; to try and do so is a waste of time. Save yourself the grief and avoid entanglements with fools, shills and uplifters.
7) Accept the fact that you will pass through life in unappreciated obscurity. You will not be rewarded for your virtues, nor will you be noticed for your talents. (Acknowledging, of course, that your virtues and talents are few.) The world does not know that you exist, and if it did, it could care less. You are entirely on your own in this madness; there are no hugs, butt slaps or "attaboys" in your future. Tough. Suck it up, gut it out and carry out the mission. As a corollary to this, never engage in self-promotion of any kind. If people seek you out on their own, great. If not, let them be.
8) Do not allow zeal, optimism or idealism to maneuver you into a position out of your depth. You know your limits; abide by them. Only humiliation awaits you if you don't.
9) One day ("and that day may never come") you will have an opportunity to do something great. Whatever that act may be, you will know it when it happens. You will have only a brief moment to decide what to do. Go for it. You are authorized to break all these rules to achieve it.
10) Bet to win, of course, but always bet to place, also. Just in case.
